The Dunstable Priory Church of St. Peter with its monastery was founded by Henry I for Augustinian Canons in 1132. The monastic buildings consisted of a dormitory for the monks, an infirmary, stables, workshops, bakehouse, brewhouse and buttery. There was also a hostel for pilgrims and travellers, the remains of which is known today as Priory House. Opposite the Priory was one of the royal palaces belonging to Henry I, known as Kingsbury. Dunstable is a town in the county of Bedfordshire, with a population of 33,805 (2001 census). ... According to tradition, Peter was crucified upside-down, as shown in this painting by Caravaggio. ... Rulers with this title include: Henry I of England Henry I of France Henry I of Germany, also Holy Roman Emperor Henry I of Navarre Henry I of Hesse Henry I of Cyprus (also Henry I of Jerusalem) Henry I of Poland Henry I of Champagne Henry I, Duke of... Rulers with this title include: Henry I of England Henry I of France Henry I of Germany, also Holy Roman Emperor Henry I of Navarre Henry I of Hesse Henry I of Cyprus (also Henry I of Jerusalem) Henry I of Poland Henry I of Champagne Henry I, Duke of...

The Augustinians were evicted shortly after in the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The closure of religious houses began in 1536 and the church and monastery were finally closed down in January 1540. Many of the Priory buildings were demolished but parts of the Priory Church of St. Peter have survived as the parish church. St. Peter is one of the best examples of Norman architecture in England. It was built in the form of a cross with a great tower at the crossing and with two smaller towers at the west end. It took 70 to 80 years before the church was complete. Ten years later a storm destroyed much of the front of the church. The damaged part was rebuilt in Early English style. The west front has a huge entrance consisting of four arches (1170-90) above a later 15th century doorway. The entrance is decorated with diaper pattern and stiff-leaf moulding providing relief for a profusion of small arches. To the south west of the church is the 15th century gateway, a reminder of the long vanished priory. The old west doors still show the marks of shots fired during the English Civil War. dissolution see Dissolution. ... Year 1536 was a leap year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar) of the Julian calendar. ... Year 1540 was a leap year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar) of the Julian calendar. ... The nave of Durham Cathedral demonstrates the characteristic round arched style, though use of shallow pointed arches above the nave is a forerunner of the Gothic style. ... The English Civil War consisted of a series of armed conflicts and political machinations that took place between Parliamentarians (known as Roundheads) and Royalists (known as Cavaliers) between 1642 and 1651. ...

Inside the church, the highlight is the intricate 14th century screen, with five open bays. The roof is a sympathetic restoration of the Perpendicular original dating to 1871. There are several funerary monuments and floor brasses.

In 1290, the funeral cortege of Queen Eleanor, wife of Edward I, was housed overnight at the Priory. In 1533, the annulment of the marriage of Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon by Archbishop Cranmer took place in the Priory Lady Chapel. The Chapel disappeared after the Dissolution of the Monasteries. [The name Eleanor in English is usually a form of Helen (or Ellen or Elaine), derived from the Greek for light, and has many variants in various languages. ... Edward I; illustration from Cassells History of England circa 1902. ... Henry VIII (28 June 1491 – 28 January 1547) was King of England and Lord of Ireland (later King of Ireland) from 22 April 1509 until his death. ... Catherine of Aragon (Castilian: Infanta Catalina de Aragón y Castilla; 16 December 1485 – 7 January 1536) was the first wife of Henry VIII of England. ... dissolution see Dissolution. ...

See also

• Dunstable